Arctic Monkeys Earn First Alternative Songs No. 1

After nearly a decade of scaling Billboard rankings, the band rules Alternative Songs for the first time with ‘Do I Wanna Know?’

More than eight years after first appearing on a Billboard chart, Arctic Monkeys score their first No. 1 on Billboard’s radio-based Alternative Songs survey, as “Do I Wanna Know?” rises 2-1.

The band logged one prior entry on the Nielsen BDS-powered ranking, its breakthrough hit “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor,” which reached No. 7 in 2006.

“Know” is the lead single from the group’s fifth studio album, “AM,” which debuted at a career-best No. 6 on the Billboard 200 the week of Sept. 28, 2013. The set bowed atop the Official U.K. Albums chart the same week, making the band the first independent group to score five consecutive No. 1 U.K. albums.

Those most responsible for promoting Arctic Monkeys’ first Alternative Songs leader to radio appreciate this week’s chart prize after years of the band’s efforts in growing its following.

“The band has built a devoted fan base with persistent touring and the support of radio,” says Peter Berard, director of marketing for Domino, Arctic Monkeys’ longtime label. “It’s rewarding to see the band’s dedication produce such great success.

“Reaching the top of the chart thanks to programmers and stations who’ve championed Arctic Monkeys since [‘Dancefloor’] makes it all the more gratifying.”

“We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be involved with Domino and such an amazing band,” adds Tyson Haller, VP of promotion and label services for ADA, which has worked “Know” to radio in tandem with Domino. (The entity also helped break Macklemore & Ryan Lewis at alternative radio, spurring the duo’s eventual multi-format stardom). “It’s great to see a band with such international acclaim have a No. 1 radio hit here in the States.

“Both Domino and the band have put in a lot of time and effort into developing its following and it’s truly paying off.”